Make vape packaging similar to cigarettes to deter young people, says report
Summary
New government impact assessments indicate that restricting vape displays in shops, standardising device designs, and mandating plain packaging could significantly reduce youth vaping. The proposals, part of a public consultation closing Friday, include display bans, plain white packaging, limits on flavour descriptions, and devices in black, white, or grey. Researchers estimate display restrictions could prevent over 500,000 teenagers aged 11-17 from being exposed to vaping products, with 38,000 fewer trying vaping. Drawing on cigarette packaging data, they suggest plain packaging could cut youth vaping prevalence from 25% to 22%. While concerns exist about reduced adult smoking cessation, preliminary evidence suggests packaging changes are unlikely to affect adults. Leading doctors urge further restrictions on flavours, and England's chief medical officer has called marketing vapes to children "utterly unacceptable".
(Source:The Independent)